SECTOR 2

Broadcasting around the country is dominated by state-owned television and
radio stations. BTV reaches an estimated 60 per cent of the population, while
government radio has a reach of over 80 per cent. Some areas of the country are
unable to receive local radio stations and access information from radio stations
broadcasting from Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique.
The government also owns the Botswana Press Agency (BOPA).

“...Radio Botswana does not
tell you all that is happening in
the country; but mostly, what is
happening in the BDP.”

“The content of government media is
very selectively chosen and carefully
choreographed to meet the needs of the
powers that be … Radio Botswana does not
tell you all that is happening in the country;
but mostly, what is happening in the [ruling
party] BDP. It is timid in reporting on
anything critical of the government.”

Internet
While most towns in Botswana have electricity, it is rare to find computers,
especially those with an internet connection, in rural areas. Government secondary
schools in urban areas usually have an internet connection, but this is often
restricted to certain students or staff at each school, as schools do not have the
capacity to cater for all students.
Among ordinary Batswana, an estimated seven per cent of people in urban areas
use the internet regularly. Internet costs are prohibitively expensive, at about P500
per month for broadband services.

Scores:
Individual scores:
1

Country does not meet indicator

2

Country minimally meets aspects of the indicator.

3

Country meets many aspects of indicator but
progress may be too recent to judge.

4

Country meets most aspects of indicator.

5

Country meets all aspects of the indicator and has
been doing so over time.

Average score: 			

28

AFRICAN MEDIA BAROMETER BOTSWANA 2009

2.3 (2005 = 2.2; 2007 = 2.8)

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